The Benefits of Adding Aromatherapy to Your Shower

Not just an old wives tale; baths and essential oils go together like Strawberries & Cream. 🍰 But not all of us have the luxury of time – or, quite literally, a bathtub. So, how do you get into bed – we mean, a bath – with your essential oils? Cue a little spot we like to call your shower. 😉

Need to chill out? There’s no need to douse yourself in lavender (just yet). Here’s why aromatherapy oils work a treat in your shower – for stress, mood, and other wellness perks.

The benefits of aromatherapy

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to improve a person’s health or mood. They are said to help heal the body, mind and spirit, returning the body to a state of equilibrium. While they’re not a cure-all for any illness or symptom, the belief is that aromatherapy can complement traditional medicine by helping with pain, nausea and mood, amongst other health benefits. Although there isn’t a lot of research on the topic, many people have experienced positive results from aromatherapy oils and use them daily.

How aromatherapy works in the shower

When essential oils are exposed to steam, the heat helps release their scent and beneficial properties into the air. In a warm, steamy (and dare we say romantic) environment like a shower, the steam helps the oils evaporate, making it easier to inhale and absorb their effects. This can help with things like clearing your sinuses or relaxing your muscles, depending on the type of essential oil used. Basically, steam helps essential oils work their magic.

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Top aromatherapy scents and their benefits

Step right up: Here are our fave essential oils for energy, relaxation and focus.

For boosting energy

Eucalyptus oil: Known for its refreshing and stimulating properties, the scent of eucalyptus oil can help clear the mind and give you an energy boost. For this reason, it’s best used in the morning to kickstart your day. 

Orange oil: This citrus oil is uplifting and energising, often used to improve mood and promote a sense of alertness.

Ginger oil: Ginger can help stimulate the senses and boost energy, while also supporting circulation.

Bergamot oil: Known for its mood-lifting properties, bergamot can help combat feelings of fatigue and increase energy levels.

For stress, anxiety & sleep

Lavender oil: Lavender is widely known for its calming and soothing effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting better sleep.

Chamomile oil: Gentle and calming, Chamomile oil is often used to help with stress relief and better sleep.

Ylang Ylang oil: This oil is known for its relaxing properties and is often used to ease stress and anxiety.

For boosting focus

Lemon oil: Lemon oil can help sharpen concentration and clear the mind, making it great for staying focused.

Rosemary oil: Rosemary is known to help improve memory and mental clarity. It’s a pretty solid go-to oil for enhancing focus.

More ways to relax: How to make your shower more serene

How to add aromatherapy to your shower

Aromatherapy 101, anyone? If you’ve purchased a steam-activated aromatherapy product, simply follow the instructions on the pack. However, if you’re DIY’ing it with your essential oils of choice, here’s your 5-step routine:

Step 1: Grab a face towel and dampen it with hot water.

Step 2: Run the shower water at a warm temperature.

Step 3: Add 15-20 drops of the essential oil to the face towel. (Or mix a couple!) 

Step 4: Step into the shower and place the face towel just outside the water stream.

You want the steam and heat of the shower (and maybe a little water) to reach it, but you don’t want it to get soaked.

Step 5: Complete your shower as you normally would.

So, there you have it – all the aromatherapy essential oils to add to your collection for when you need a little extra TLC, plus the little hacks we peppered in along the way. Tell your roommates/partner/fam that the bathroom is all yours tonight – ‘cause let’s be real, ya gotta do what ya gotta do to chill out f*^$*# out in this climate.

P.S: While you’re having a play with different essential oils in the shower, our bodycare collection is also here to make shower time fun. Discover the collection now.

Happy Sundae x

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin